2014 Upstate Bridal Show

Join us at the Waterfall Banquet & Conference Center on February 16th. From noon-3:30 mingle with wedding professionals, enjoy a live fashion show, hors d'oeuvres and more!

by Theresa Gawlas Medoff

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Wedding Planning Tips from the Experts

Gift Registry

Register for lasting gifts that are an investment, such as a good set of cookware and china. These might be difficult to afford on your own later. Plus, the gifts will always be a reminder of your special day.

The rule of thumb is to take the number of shower/wedding guests and multiply by 2.5 to ensure that your guests—even the late shoppers—will feel like they have options to choose from.

Select items for your registry at price points that guests will feel comfortable with. For wedding showers, guests typically spend about $50. For the wedding gift, they will spend $100, $150 or more, so gifts that cost multiples of $50 are good to have.

Don’t be afraid to put high-priced items on the registry. Some people like to pool their resources and buy a large gift from a group. — Beth Anne Ages, bridal director at Boscov’s

Shopping for a Wedding Gown

It’s never too early to start looking for your bridal gown. It can take up to eight months for a gown to arrive once you order it.

Don’t bring too many people on your gown-shopping trips. After three opinions, it just gets confusing because everyone likes different dresses.

Don’t get too stressed. Just relax and enjoy the experience. It’s supposed to be fun. —Colleen Wilson, co-owner and bridal manager at Claire’s Fashions

Reception Planning

Have a good idea of what kind of reception, theme and budget you want before you start gathering prices from potential venues. Armed with that information, the venue will be able to customize a package to your price point and taste right from the beginning.

When selecting appetizers and main courses for the reception, choose food items that will appeal to a broad range of people. Stay away from exotic items and foods you have never tried before.

If the venue offers the option, do a tasting of the foods you select so that you will know exactly what your guests will be served. —Bryan Treude, director of sales and marketing, Embassy Suites Newark